SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON must rebuild his midfield diamond virtually from scratch for this weekend's Euro 2004 qualifier in Macedonia as his preparations have been hit by damaging injuries.

Steven Gerrard and Trevor Sinclair have joined Paul Scholes on the injury list, while Nicky Butt and Kieron Dyer also have concerns over their match-fitness.

And, with David Beckham involved in Real Madrid's match against Villarreal last night, Eriksson effectively had just one confirmed midfield starter yesterday - Frank Lampard - who was not even in the starting line-up against Croatia last month.

And the Swede admitted England's chances in the tournament itself next summer - if they qualify - could well depend on their worrying injury record improving.

Eriksson, who must also assess Rio Ferdinand's fitness this morning, only learned of the withdrawals of Gerrard and Sinclair a couple of minutes before a live press conference yesterday.

He had, understandably, still not worked out quite how he would cope with their absences, although Owen Hargreaves is likely to come into the side.

The England coach admitted, "It's not very good news at all as they're extremely important players. Paul Scholes does have a real problem with his hernia and he has to recover from that. Hopefully he will be back soon as we have the Turkey game to think about.

"We knew that Steven Gerrard had an ankle problem. He reported and the doctor and physio said there was no chance he could play on Saturday, although maybe he could face Liechtenstein next Wednesday.

"What will I do? If I'm honest, I don't know yet as I need some time. We will have to see in our practices. But almost for sure, it will be a midfield that has never played together before."